The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test
(Lezak, Howieson, & Loring, 2004) is used by
many neuropsychologists to assess visual-spatial mem-
ory. Patients first copy a complex figure, then draw it
from memory immediately, and then draw it again
after a specified period of time. Thus, this test can assess
how the figure was initially processed (immediate
copy), and comparisons can be made between subse-
quent copies under different recall conditions (Kra-
mer & Delis, 1997). Further, because the figure is
characterized by both larger configural features (e.g.,
a large triangle) and smaller internal details (dots, small
hash marks), differentiations can be made between
those with right- versus left-hemisphere damage
(Lezak et al., 2004). Different scoring systems and
normative data across a broad range of ages are avail-
able (Kramer & Delis, 1997). Figure 18-4 presents
the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure.Visual-Perceptual Processing. Visual-spatial
skills are necessary for a broad range of activities,
including reading a map, parallel parking a car,
and throwing a baseball from the outfield to a
base. In addition to the Rey-Osterrieth Complex
Figure Test, many neuropsychologists seeking to
assess visual-spatial skills examine performance onF I G U R E 18-4 Rey-Osterrieth complex figure
SOURCE: FromNeuropsychological Assessment, 3rd edition, by Muriel Deutsch Lezak, p. 570. Copyright © 1995 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Reprinted by
permission.
526 CHAPTER 18